Page 159
The Bishop of Aberdeen, and the Synods Explanation of the Test.
WE do not hereby swear to all the particular Assertions and Expressions of the Confession of Faith, mentioned in the Test, but only to the uniform Doctrine of the Reformed Churches contained therein:
II. We do not hereby prejudge the Churches Right to, and Power of making any al∣teration in the said Confession, as to the ambiguity and obscure expressions thereof, or of making a more unexceptionable frame.
III. When we swear, That the King is Supreme Governour over all Persons, and in all Causes, as well Ecclesiastick as Civil; and when we swear to assert and defend all His Majesties Rights and Prerogatives, this is reserving always the intrinsick unalterable power of the Church, immediately derived from Jesus Christ, to wit, the power of the Keys consisting in the preaching of the Word, administration of the Sacraments, ordaining of Pastors, exercise of Discipline, and the holding of such Assemblies as are necessary for preservation of Peace and Ʋnity, Truth and Purity in the Church; and withal, we do hereby think, that the King has a power to alter the Government of the Church at his pleasure.
IV. When we swear, That it is unlawful for Subjects to meet or convene, to treat or consult, &c. about matters of State, Civil, and Ecclesiastick, this is excepting meetings for Ordination, publick Worship and Discipline, and such meetings as are necessary for the conservation of the Church, and true Protestant Religion.
V. When we swear, There lies no obligation on us, &c. to endeavour any change or alteration in Government, either in Church or State, we mean by Arms, or any seditious way.
VI. When we swear, That we take the Test in the plain and genuine sense of the words, &c. we understand it only in so far as it does not contradict these Exceptions.